Your $75 ticket will provide you with early access to our great silent auction as well as a swag bag full of delicious goodies delivered to your home for you to enjoy while you watch the show, which will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. Links will be emailed to all ticket holders and donors prior to the event. Those not wishing to buy a ticket will also be able to tune into the event, bid on silent auction items, and of course, make a donation. 

The causes 

This year the Gala is supporting two important international causes that serve vulnerable children and their families in Africa and the Middle East. 

All Mothers and Children Count COVID-19 Extension Fund. This fund supports Primate’s World Relief and Development partners in Rwanda, Mozambique, Tanzania and Burundi as they work to ensure physical distancing, access to clean water, soap and disinfectant, personal protective equipment (PPE) and reliable health information. This extension of All Mothers and Children Count will allow also these partners to maintain important gains in food security and maternal, newborn and child health. Global Affairs Canada is matching donations 6:1 until the end of June!

Virtual Therapy for Disabled Children is an urgently needed service of the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre that serves disabled Palestinian children who live on the West Bank. The Centre is the only treatment option for these children; travel restrictions and other factors make it difficult to access the program. Virtual care therapy now enables 150 children and their families to receive assistance from a multi-disciplinary team. The cost of providing this service to one child is $1,600 a month.

How to donate (with or without a ticket)

The Bishop’s Gala is a great opportunity to contribute to these causes —and enjoy our first-ever virtual gala. To make a donation, please visit bishopsgala2021.eventbrite.ca, or mail your cheque (payable to “The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa” with “Bishop’s Gala” on the memo line) to The Bishop’s Office, 71 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6G6.

About the tickets and protocol…

Tickets are on sale here: https://bishopsgala2021.eventbrite.ca until May 2 or they sell out – only 200 available. Tickets are $75 each (plus service fees). 

— Bishop’s Gala Committee

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510 Rideau / Shawenjeagamik has said they would welcome cloth masks that are dark colours, as the majority of their clients are male.  Carrie Diabo  (Director) says they still have a good supply of brighter coloured & flowered ones.

510 continues to be very busy providing compassion, community and meals to its clients from the Centre and from the Bannock Bus on the streets.

If you want to drop off masks at my place in Old Ottawa South—please let me know and I can give you my address.

Thank you very much.

Debbie Grisdale  debbiegrisdale@gmail.com

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The 2020 conference was to be held in Ottawa in July 2020, but it was postponed due to the pandemic. Continuing health and travel concerns prompted the planning committee to keep this year’s event online. 

The theme is aptly “Disruption and Grace: Learning Edges in Liminal Times.” In a letter sent to bishops in both the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the planning committee wrote:  “We want this online NWC to provide an important opportunity for those involved in worship and music in our churches and ministries to be able to listen, reflect and talk thoughtfully together about the significant disruption and grace we have all experienced during this pandemic and to glean new learnings and possibilities together.”

The NWC will include opening and closing worship, the conferral of the Companion of the Worship Arts to the one Anglican and one Lutheran recipient announced last spring in recognition of their local and national contributions to worship. 

In this 20th anniversary year of the full communion partnership of the ACC and ELCIC, and July 7 being the anniversary of the signing  of the Waterloo Declaration, the organizers are hoping to also celebrate this anniversary milestone together.

For more details on the event and registration: nationalworshipconference.org.

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In the annals of church building in the Diocese of Ottawa, Trinity has two claims to fame. The first is that in 1925 it built a very ambitious Gothic Revival brick house of worship with details picked out in Ohio freestone at the corner of Cameron and Harvard streets in Ottawa South.  That impressive house of worship was designed by architect L. Fennings Taylor.  The second claim to fame is that that notable house of worship was gutted by fire on 19 March 1947—one of the very few fires to destroy an Anglican church in the history of the diocese.

Life must go on, both for people and their churches.  Barely a generation after the walls of the second Trinity Church, Ottawa arose in 1925, the church we see here was built on the same site, and was opened and dedicated by Bishop Robert Jefferson on 29 September 1948.  The prolonged sacrifices required to rebuild Trinity would mean that the parish hall was not completed and dedicated by Bishop Ernest S. Reed for another eleven years, on 6 May 1958.

Some 130 years had gone by since the first pointed arches were used in local Anglican churches.  Almost a century had intervened since the High Victorian Gothic Revival of the first parliament buildings spurred churches such as Saint Alban’s (1866) and Christ Church Cathedral (1872) to be built in that style.  Gothic Revival so suited Anglicans that other denominations veered to other styles such as Romanesque for Presbterian and Roman Catholic churches, and Byzantine for Methodist houses of worship.  Anglicans in Toronto even made experiments with these styles.  Even among Ottawa Anglicans there were murmurings against the Gothic Revival per se, as shown by Saint Barnabas’s, Ottawa (1931) being built with Romanesque arches.

No such doubts assailed the parishioners of Trinity, Ottawa as they set about rebuilding their church in the late 1940s.  Perhaps they were attempting to revive the memory of their fine 1925 Gothic Revival house of worship, as shown by the side windows in the nave being placed in groupings of three as they had been before.  What strikes us as we view this photograph of the interior while it was still new is that it, like the rebuilt Centre Block of the parliament buildings after its 1916 fire, is how archaeologically correct the Gothic design of the new Trinity was.

There were short cuts.  The cut stone chancel arches were actually mere trompe l’oeil effect.  The pews and furnishings of the chancel were all co-ordinated and ordered from the same church furnishings firm, in contrast to awaiting individual memorial donations over a number of years.  The clear glass in the pointed windows suffused the interior with light, with the small wide windows in the chancel bathing the altar and reredos in a soft glow of light that added to it being the focal centre of the entire church interior.  As it doubtless was intended to be.    

If you would like to help the Archives preserve the records of the Diocese and its parishes, why not become a Friend of the Archives?  Your $20 membership brings you three issues of the lively, informative Newsletter, and you will receive a tax receipt for further donations above that amount.  

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But there is still time for everyone in the diocese to be a part of the project, says Karen McBride of the Refugee Advisory Panel.

The project aimed to raise both awareness of the Refugee Ministry and funds to support it.

“The emphasis now is on helping the dove makers get sponsors for their doves. That’s where people who haven’t been able to get involved in making the doves can play a very helpful role in sponsoring the doves of others,” McBride told Crosstalk.

“We have suggested $10 to sponsor a dove, so if people want to help by sponsoring one dove or two or three, it would be terrific if they could give a little bit to make the fundraising part of the project as successful as the dove making part of the project,” she said.

There is a donation form on the 1000 Dove Project webpage on the diocesan website.

https://www.ottawa.anglican.ca/thousand-doves-project#donate-dove

And there is still room for more doves for those who would like to make them. The project webpage also has links to written instructions and instructional videos.

 “The 1000 Doves project is a great, fun, and creative way to share with people the very important work of the Refugee Ministry Office of our Diocese.  People of all ages can get involved and making the doves can so easily be done right at home,” said the Rev. Canon Dr. PJ Hobbs. “The Dove, a symbol of peace, of the presence of the Holy Spirit, reminds us of our call to provide a place of peaceful refuge and hope for the future for those who this day face peril.”

Gwynneth Evans participated in a dove-making workshop and shared this thoughtful reflection on the doves: “Noah’s ark has been a vivid image of God’s world that I have loved since childhood. And the good news that the common dove brought back to Noah and his large family gave hope and joy for the next phase of life together…. The doves and the fire of Pentecost offer our diocesan family the opportunity to give and to receive, to share joy and the diverse gifts of the Holy Spirit; to prepare for our next phase of community integration—after our year on the ark. Join the celebration!”

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There are two new friendly faces at the diocesan Refugee Ministry. Ishita Ghose and Safiyah Rochelle began their work as case managers in February, preparing to take up the torch from the ministry’s manager Joyce Couvrette when she retires in the coming months.

Following in the footsteps of Couvrette and the recently retired Don Smith, veterans of the field who guided the ministry through a time of tremendous growth during the Syrian crisis is a daunting path. 

“It’s definitely a steep learning curve for sure, but slowly but surely we’re getting there,” Rochelle told Crosstalk in an online interview, adding that she is glad that she and Ghose are working and learning together with Couvrette to mentor them.

Both case managers bring valuable education and experiences to the job. 

Ghose graduated from the University of Delhi, India, before immigrating to Canada and living in Guelph, Ont. Her first paid employment in Canada was with Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s immigrant settlement adaptation program for newcomers, which included government-assisted refugees. “And ever since I have always enjoyed working with the settlement sector,” she said. 

She also worked in Correctional Service Canada’s Ethnocultural Program Services, working with diverse clientele for integration and settlement projects.  Her experience in the charitable sector also includes working at Bracelet of Hope, Guelph – an organization committed to ending the AIDS pandemic in Lesotho, Africa. 

After moving to Ottawa about two years ago, she began working for the Ottawa Community Foundation, but when she heard about an opportunity at the Diocese’s Refugee Ministry, she thought it might be time for a shift in her career. “I haven’t been a refugee, but I have been a newcomer to Canada so it’s my way of giving back. I’ve been through the experience of getting adapted to the culture, ways of life, employment and everything else, so it makes a lot of sense to me.”

Safiyah Rochelle earned an MA and Doctorate in Legal Studies from Carleton University.  She has researched and published on the topics of state violence and marginalized populations and has taught courses in Criminal Justice and on topics pertaining to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. She has also worked with the federal government as a program officer for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Rochelle says she heard much about the work of the Refugee Ministry in the course of her work over the years. “They have an amazing reputation,” she said. “Obviously, the work the ministry does is important and admirable. It’s really an opportunity to work with a community, not only in Canada, but also an international community, that’s really dedicated to some of the best qualities that we have as Canadians — helping the stranger and providing assistance and support to the people who need it most.”

She adds that she sensed that there is an opportunity for growth in the ministry. “There was this dichotomy between a small office that was just doing all that amazing community work and also the fact that there seemed to be a really big opportunity for it to grow and expand to make and even bigger mark on the community. That really appealed to me as well, to enter in at that cusp and see what would happen, where the ministry could grow and how I could contribute to that.”

Due to the pandemic and travel restrictions, the arrival of new refugees is on hold. While that is a hardship for refugees and their families, it is giving Ghose and Rochelle a chance to train and prepare for a flood of arrivals once travel is again possible.

Ghose says she is eager to get to know sponsorship and constituent groups, so that she has a good sense of their capacities and capabilities since they shoulder so much responsibility for supporting refugees once they arrive in Canada.

Rochelle said she had just had the opportunity to take an application from from inception, “which I really liked because it could be a year or two years before the family actually arrives, but I am really looking forward to getting to know the families in depth and having that personal connection.”

Both wanted to remind Crosstalk readers that they can be reached by writing to refugee@ottawa.anglican.ca

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Bishop Shane, the homilist of the Black History Month Service, offered not only a riveting message but an opportunity for theological reflection. He was rather expansive in his recognition of Black Canadian history, going back as early as 1608 and touching on significant mileposts, all parts of a narrative with chapters that are still unknown to many. Bishop Shane described it as being “Ancient going back 400 years and also very recent.” We were reminded that stories of Blacks and racialized people must be told. Quoting from the Gospel of Matthew Bishop Shane shared that “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel basket.”  It was most heart warming to be reminded that the narratives of blacks are beautiful; and a bright light. The message to blacks was loud and clear: “If you are black let your light shine so all can see it. – Many bushel baskets have been placed over that lamp and are still placed over that light.” What truth, from a Christian perspective to recognize that the lamps under the bushel baskets represent lives and stories of Black Brothers and Sisters in Canada and around the world. By engaging in removing bushel baskets from over the light of the racialized and marginalized we provide oxygen for their light to burn brighter and illuminate our surroundings.

In delivering his message, the bishop invoked a universal question applicable to all Christians: how does our church celebrate diversity, particularly as it is expressed racially and ethnically?   What are the Canadian stories told? Who are the storytellers? These questions certainly lead us to consider the reasons why we celebrate Black History Month, and especially this year at the Diocesan level. To speak about Black History Month without speaking of the systemic inequities in our country would be un-Christlike. I admire the boldness and honesty of Bishop Shane in challenging our congregations as followers of Jesus to engage in dismantling walls of suppression, and to be aware of how racism undermines the dignity of individuals and groups.  

For Christians, Black History Month is more than a celebration, it is a reminder of a dark period in the history of Canada. A reminder that slavery existed in Canada, and that the church played a pivotal role during that period. Racism is real, said Bishop Shane, and as followers of Jesus, it is integral to our vocation to reject and dismantle racism in all its forms. 

This first diocesan celebration of Black History Month was certainly a reminder that Jesus Christ is asking us to participate in transforming the world into a better place by being the salt of the earth and light to the world through his power working in us. With the strong message delivered by our Bishop we can go forward looking at enhanced ways to make the 400-year presence of Blacks in Canada reason for celebration. 

We extend our gratitude to Bishop Shane for his support and participation in the first Annual Black History Month Diocesan Celebration; to our readers and technical staff who contributed to making the virtual presentation of the service seamless; and to the music contributors drawn from Choirs in Ottawa, the Bahamas and Soweto. 

The opening prelude set the tone with a very upbeat “Guide my Feet” performed by St. Agnes Choir in the Bahamas, followed by the Black history Anthem “Lift every voice” performed by The Julian of Norwich Choir under the direction of Maté Baker, the Gospel hymn “In Christ there is no East or West” performed by St. Stephens Choir  under the direction of Frances Macdonell, and finally the Soweto Gospel Singers rendition of “O Happy Day.”

Special recognition to our Black clergy who organized the 2021 Virtual Service – “Church without Walls”: the Rev. Canon George Kwari; the Rev. Canon Hilary Murray, the Rev. Julian Campbell; the Rev. Nash Smith and the Rev. Deacon Elizabeth December.

As members of the Diocese of Ottawa, we take up the challenge of our Christian tradition which reminds us that  “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket.” “Black history-Our Canadian Story” is the lamp that has been lit and is giving light to our Canadian community and the world. Join us in February 2022 as we continue to shine the light on the Black Canadian Story.

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I have been thinking of many treasured memories of COR and how much COR meant to our family…husband Ron and daughters Rhonda and Rosemary. …Our girls were baptized and confirmed at COR. Growing up they were always involved with COR activities…Church school as students and teachers, junior choir members, youth groups, Server/Crucifer guild. Our two grandsons were baptized at COR. 

I sang in the choir for many years, an alto-bird with Julia Cockshutt. After Julie retired from the choir, Catherine Smith and I were the altos until I had to ease off due to health issues. After Julie, and before Catherine, Nancy Craven, usually a soprano, sang with me for anthems when more volume was needed! Julie and I were also Altar Guild members, she taught me everything. I appreciated the lovely serenity of preparing the vessels and altar on Saturday afternoons. When Mom (Muriel) was living with us after Dad died she always looked forward to my Altar duty. We spent many special moments together, quietly getting things ready for next day’s services.

I miss so much of COR life…worship and socializing with long-time dear friends every week, our shared events with Riverside United folks, special services at Easter and Christmas when the choirs joined as one, the FROGS coffee house evenings, all the parish activities, the wonderful feeling of belonging. 

— Rhoda Burton-Levert

My husband Ron and I and at that time one daughter Amanda joined the church in 1981….We found that COR was very friendly, very inviting. We felt at home almost right away. I was there when my second daughter was born, Sarah. She was baptized…

We both took part in all of the activities that are involved in running a good church—the parish councils, altar guilds, ladies’ guilds, finances, youth, it just became part of our lives….The church was very supportive. I could see that for everyone who had joyful marriages or sorrowful deaths….And when my husband died the church became much more of a home to me because by then my daughters were ready to leave the nest….I went on to become the secretary or administrative assistant, and I really enjoyed that position because you got to know many more people and got involved with the Diocese. I can’t remember how many ministers I saw come and go…

I had a very intense role at COR because I administered at the 8 o’clock and the 9:15 services. I did a lot of things. I felt very useful, and then when it all fell apart, I said “Where will I go and what will I do?” I have all these talents from administration to treasurer, to lay leader to altar guild, all those things that I could do and there was no place for me. That’s very hard. I think a lot of the people at COR felt that….Saint Thomas is a very different atmosphere, and that still is taking getting used to.

— Louise Shinga

Before our work with Lutherans in Barrhaven, and with the United Church in Westboro, Riverside Churches of Ottawa was a largely unheralded example of successful ecumenical sharing! I have many happy memories of life and ministry with the people of the Anglican Church of the Resurrection, and of partnership with the Reverend Paul Dillman and the people of Riverside United Church. While there were cost savings and efficiencies in sharing one building, the greatest benefit was energy that flowed through our partnership in the Gospel. The congregations genuinely cared about each other; ecumenical friendships and collegiality were real, as were the exchange of blessings. Of course, there were challenges, but such is the nature of community, whether within or between Churches. With challenges come opportunities to lean on God, and depend on the Spirit. But to everything there is a season, so too with churches. My lasting memories aren’t so much about the building, but of wonderful people and a close and caring congregation, full of unique and special characters! The legacy of the Church of the Resurrection continues within the Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, which has embraced Riverside Park and Mooney’s Bay in their mission field. 

— Archdeacon Peter Crosby

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